unusual

[uhn-yoo-zhoo-uhl, -yoozh-wuhl]

adjective

1. not usual, common, or ordinary; uncommon in amount or degree; exceptional.

   an unusual sound; an unusual hobby; an unusual response.

   Synonyms: odd, queer, curious, singular, strange, rare, remarkable, extraordinary

unusual

/ ʌnˈjuːʒʊəl /

adjective

1. out of the ordinary; uncommon; extraordinary

   an unusual design

Other Word Forms

• unusually adverb
• unusualness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unusual¹

First recorded in 1575–85; un- ¹ + usual

Related Words

• amazing 
• astonishing 
• awesome 
• bizarre 
• curious 
• exceptional 
• extraordinary 
• incredible 
• memorable 
• noteworthy 
• odd 
• phenomenal 
• rare 
• remarkable 
• significant 
• singular 
• special 
• strange 
• surprising 
• uncommon